Pulis - No Owen promises

Michael Owen: Not guaranteed a start at Stoke, says Tony Pulis

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has firmly denied speculation new striker Michael Owen has been guaranteed a starting place at the club.

The 32-year-old frontman made his Potters debut as a late substitute against Manchester City last weekend and could play a bigger part at Chelsea on Saturday.

But Pulis has rubbished rumours Owen joined the club to get a certain spot in his starting XI, insisting such an agreement would have cost him his job at the Britannia Stadium.

He said: "I've read all sorts of stuff, and apparently he only signed for us because I guaranteed him he would start every time he was fit.

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"We just don't work like that at this football club.

"If they found that was true, I would have to pack my bags and leave, if I had promised someone he was going to play every week."

But Pulis added: "Michael's got a fantastic attitude.

"I don't think it'll be long until he gets in the team, if he keeps performing as he is in training."